Law Murray, an insightful NBA writer for The Athletic, joins to dive deep into shooting rankings and the nuances of player performance. He emphasizes that basketball is more than just a 'make or miss' game, exploring the intricacies of shot selection and defensive strategies. Additionally, he weighs in on Kawhi Leonard's imminent return and its potential impact on the Clippers this season. The lively discussion also highlights standout performances from rising stars like Steph Curry and Victor Wembanyama, adding context to the game's evolving dynamics.
Steph Curry's comeback with a dominant performance highlights his resilience and leadership amidst fluctuating team dynamics.
Victor Wembanyama's scoring prowess and unique skill set exemplify his potential to shift game dynamics and redefine player roles in the NBA.
Deep dives
Acura ZDX: A New Electric Marvel
The Acura ZDX is a groundbreaking all-electric vehicle that boasts nearly 500 horsepower, delivering an exhilarating driving experience. Its impressive range rating positions it as a competitive option in the electric vehicle market, showcasing Acura’s focus on performance. With cutting-edge features like an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, hands-free cruise control, and built-in Google services, the ZDX enhances both convenience and entertainment for drivers. The emphasis on these attributes illustrates Acura's commitment to integrating luxury with electric efficiency.
Steph Curry's Remarkable Bounce Back
Steph Curry recently delivered a stellar performance with 31 points and 10 assists after a tough game against Memphis, marking a significant return to form. Despite earlier struggles where both he and Draymond Green failed to score, Curry's explosive fourth quarter demonstrated his resilience and skill as a leader on the court. This rebound serves as a reminder of his ability to dominate games, showing why he remains one of the most formidable players in the NBA. His performance also sparked discussion about Minnesota's defensive strategies in trying to control his offensive capabilities.
Victor Wembanyama's Dominance
Victor Wembanyama has quickly become a standout player, scoring 42 points in an overtime victory against the Atlanta Hawks. His remarkable shooting efficiency, including hitting seven out of fifteen three-pointers, showcases his unique skill set as a seven-footer who can stretch the floor. Following that game, Wembanyama continued his impressive form with another strong performance against the Trail Blazers, further solidifying his place as a rising star in the league. Observers note that it's not just his scoring that impresses but also how his presence completely changes the dynamics of a game.
Solid Team Chemistry for the Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, currently sporting a record of 25 wins and 4 losses. Their success is largely attributed to the stellar play of Donovan Mitchell, who, alongside a well-rounded team, has led the Cavaliers through a strong start to the season. The team’s balanced offensive and defensive strategies demonstrate their capability to compete at a championship level, which further enhances their postseason aspirations. Their consistent performances raise the prospect of multiple All-Star selections this season, a testament to their collective growth and chemistry on the court.
The Warriors bounce back against the Wolves and Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni break it down and assign who else made the All Weekend Team. In part 2 Zena and Es are joined by Law Murray of the Athletic to discuss the shooting rankings, why it’s not just a "make or miss" league. Law also discusses the upcoming return of Kawhi Leonard and how it will affect the Clippers this season.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita, and Law Murray
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/